The symptoms of a nervous system problem
depend on which area of the nervous system is involved and what is causing the
problem. Nervous system problems may occur slowly and cause a gradual loss of
function (degenerative). Or they may occur suddenly and cause life-threatening
problems (acute). Symptoms may be mild or severe. Some serious conditions,
diseases, and injuries that can cause nervous system problems include:

A sudden (acute) nervous system problem can cause many
different symptoms, depending on the area of the nervous system involved.
Stroke and
transient ischemic attack (TIA) are common examples of
acute problems. You may experience the sudden onset of one or more symptoms,
such as:

Seizures can also cause sudden changes in
consciousness, feeling (sensation), emotion, or thought. Abnormal body
movements, such as muscle twitching, may or may not be present. How often the
seizures occur and how severe they are depend on the cause of the seizures and
the area of the brain involved. For more information, see the topic
Seizures.

Diabetes can cause problems
with balance, either as a result of peripheral neuropathy or stroke.

Most headaches are not caused by serious central nervous system problems.
The pain that comes with a headache can range from a throbbing or a piercing
pain, such as with a
migraine, to severe pain that comes and goes over
several days, such as with
cluster headaches. Headaches are usually caused by
problems with the sinuses, scalp, or muscles of or around the head. For more
information, see the topic
Headaches.

Check Your Symptoms

Do you think you may have a problem with your nervous system?

The nervous system controls movement and balance, the five senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch), your thought processes, and how awake and aware you are. It includes the brain, the spinal cord, and all the nerves in the body.

After passing out, it's normal to feel a little confused, weak, or lightheaded when you first wake up or come to. But unless something else is wrong, these symptoms should pass pretty quickly and you should soon feel about as awake and alert as you normally do.

Yes

Has returned to normal after loss of consciousness

No

Has returned to normal after loss of consciousness

Did the loss of consciousness occur during the past 24 hours?

Yes

Loss of consciousness in past 24 hours

No

Loss of consciousness in past 24 hours

Has there been a decrease in how alert or aware you are or how well you can think and respond?

Yes

Decreased level of consciousness

No

Decreased level of consciousness

Is this something that is part of a medical problem you already have or that you have discussed with a doctor before?

Home Treatment

Specific home treatment for
symptoms related to a
nervous system problem depends on the cause of the
problem. Check your symptoms to determine if and when you
need to see your doctor. Keep a diary of your symptoms to review with your doctor at your next
appointment. See an example of a
diary of symptoms(What is a PDF document?).

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Call your doctor if your symptoms become more frequent or
severe during home treatment.

Prevention

Follow the prevention guidelines
below to keep your body and nervous system healthy:

Exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor about an
exercise plan that will be right for you.

Do not smoke or use other
tobacco products. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Get plenty of rest.

Take care of health conditions that may cause decreased
nervous system functioning, such as:

Eat a balanced diet. A balanced, low-fat diet
with ample sources of vitamins B6, B12, and folate will help protect the
nervous system. Make sure that your diet contains lots of fresh fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains.

Drink plenty of water and other
fluids. This helps prevent
dehydration, which can cause confusion and memory
problems.

To prevent dehydration during hot weather and
exercise, drink water, rehydration drinks, or other fluids
each day.

Drink extra water before, during, and after
exercise. Take a container of water or sports drink
with you when you exercise, and try to drink at least every 15 to 20
minutes.

Limit your intake of
caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and colas, which increase dehydration and
can affect sleep.

Do not use
alcohol or illegal drugs, which can affect functioning long after
use.

Have your hearing or vision tested. When you do not
hear or see well, it is hard for your brain to record
information.

Set priorities, and concentrate on one thing at a
time. Older adults have a harder time than younger people giving their
attention to more than one activity.

Increase your attention span
and ability to focus by learning new skills.

Keep written notes.
Write all your plans on a calendar where you can look at them
often.

Use a medicine box with spaces for each day. This will help
you remember when to take your medicines. Take your medicines exactly as they
are prescribed.

Decrease your use of nonprescription medicines.
Overuse of medicines may be the single biggest cause of nervous system problems
in older adults.

Develop a positive attitude about your abilities.
Reject the notion that nervous system (neurological) functioning declines with
age.

Topic Contents

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